Dhaka, December 1, 2024 – The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), in its November observation report, has revealed a troubling picture of the human rights situation in Bangladesh. While there have been some improvements under the interim government following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s administration, overall progress remains elusive. Throughout November, political violence, attacks on minority communities, harassment of journalists, and violence against women and children point to a deep crisis in human rights violations in the country.
The report indicates that 103 incidents of political violence occurred in November, resulting in at least 16 deaths and 599 injuries. Internal disputes within the BNP alone accounted for 51 incidents of violence, leading to 10 deaths. Additionally, clashes between BNP and Awami League supporters and other political groups resulted in significant casualties. Sheikh Hasina faced an additional 254 lawsuits this month, including 214 murder cases, with 444 individuals arrested during this period, most of whom were Awami League activists.
Attacks on religious minorities have been particularly alarming. In Chattogram, clashes over the release of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari resulted in the death of a lawyer and injuries to 25 people. This incident highlights the long-standing communal intolerance in the country. Attacks on minority worship places, temple vandalism, and looting were also significant concerns.
Journalists continued to face harassment and attacks. HRSS reported that 46 journalists were subjected to abuse and harassment in November, with 17 injured, nine humiliated, and five arrested. Protests and vandalism occurred in Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Chattogram, demanding the shutdown of newspapers like Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
Violence against women and children remains a grave concern. The report states that 110 women and children were victims of violence in November. Among them, 32 were raped, including 17 children. Seven women were gang-raped, and three were murdered following rape. Family violence claimed the lives of 31 women, while another 15 women committed suicide. Incidents of child abuse left 104 children affected, with 47 losing their lives.
The security situation at the borders worsened further. Incidents involving the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) resulted in four injuries and six arrests. Myanmar’s Border Guard Police (BGP) were responsible for one Bangladeshi death and the arrest of 26 others.
Mob lynching incidents also rose sharply. HRSS reported 21 such incidents in November, leaving 12 dead and 15 injured. Worker abuse was also prevalent, with 36 incidents leading to 26 deaths and 23 injuries among workers.
HRSS expressed grave concern over these issues, emphasizing the need for stronger administrative measures to establish the rule of law and protect human rights. It called for the government’s proactive engagement with civil society, journalists, and international organizations to improve the human rights situation. The report warns that without appropriate action to ensure law and order and protect fundamental rights, the human rights condition in Bangladesh could further deteriorate.
